Tom Johnson President Grubb & Ellis|Martens Commercial Group, LLC Wichita, Kan.
Fortunate. That’s what Tom Johnson, president of Wichita, Kan.-based Grubb & Ellis|Martens Commercial Group, considers himself for having been a member of the real estate community for more than 40 years.
But who’s really fortunate? Johnson’s clients and fellow brokers. During his more than four decades in commercial real estate, Johnson has earned a reputation for ethics, hard work and knowledge. He’s never been shy in sharing his experience with his fellow brokers. And he’s never given anything less than top service to his clients.
Starting in the development business when he was still in college, Johnson began honing his skills in research, analysis, marketing, construction and development. These skills have since served him well.
During his real estate career, Johnson has directed and conducted market research and feasibility studies, and provided disposition and acquisition advisory services and corporate counseling in more than 30 states.
Since the late 1980s, he has successfully guided some of the largest commercial real estate brokerage companies in the Midwest through good times and bad. Johnson says that his greatest achievement is seeing people he has had the opportunity to work with and mentor over the years become successful in the industry. To hear Johnson tell it, to have the good fortune to be a part of their lives and to continue to work with motivated bright young professionals is a great gift.
Johnson’s focus on market knowledge, client-centric business practices and professionalism has helped not only his career but has also helped enable his company to flourish even during the country’s recession. Johnson and his friend of more than 30 years and business partner Steve Martens they have developed the only full-service firm in the Wichita market.
In addition to running the brokerage operation, Johnson continues to serve as a consultant, speaker and guest lecturer on marketing, research, feasibility analysis, brokerage and general real estate topics for university groups, corporations, institutions and civic organizations.
Active in the industry, Johnson is a Past President of the Wichita Association of Realtors and a board member of the Kansas CCIM chapter. He has served numerous community and civic organizations including Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Rotary and YMCA.
